By Terry Allen
When Lucille “Big Mama” Allen stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the “big room” and spoke from her playbook, this particular advisory, “TRY ME” turned our usually loud, noisy house immediately into an extremely quiet refuge. “TRY ME” was one of the few statements in Big Mama’s roster that was used by many women along my life journey.
When “Try me” was used, it was an automatic stance that meant you have tested me in the worst way and now you will see how that will affect you and your situation now and, also, in your immediate future.
NOW! What was lesson? Lucille “Big Mama” Allen clearly let us know what try me meant- To try someone is to test my patience, home, children, money, intelligence, and/or worth. In other words, you’re testing my limitations in a way that’s determined to be insulting, offensive and/or antagonizing.
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen platform was always steeped in the Biblical word. The reference, “Try me” always came with a Co-me-to-Jesus’ reference. She referred us to Hebrews 13:6 “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”.
Now let me expand on how this enlightens others. For one, When Lucille “Big Mama” Allen stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the “big room” and spoke from her playbook. This particular advisory, TRY ME” turned the usually loud, noisy house immediately became extremely quiet. “TRY ME” was one of the few statements in Big Mama’s roster that was used by many women along my life journey. When “Try me” was used, it was an automatic stance that meant you have tested me in the worst way and now you will see how that will affect you and your situation now and in your immediate future.
Now let me expand on how this enlightens others. For one, “Try me” says, “I am stronger than ever and stronger than you ever will be” and “Touch my friends and family and I will rip you a new one”
In these times of disinformation and emotional upheaval, I see all of us showcasing our “Try Me” moments when we hear untruths being said about us. Just a few days ago, I received a note of feedback that I was entirely responsible for something that I could not have influenced nor was I in the room when it happened. The good part is, I was Big Mama’s child and I had my tribe and my proof. The tribe and proof shut down the attack and my ‘Try Me” stance faded back into the background. The extended portion of the lesson is having a tribe and producing proof, so those purveyors of the lie will lose, email me your best “Try Me” moment at terryallenpr@gmail.com. Family, I need you. Thank you, publisher Cheryl Smith, for my platform. Big Mama because of you, I have a tribe.
Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryalllenpr@gmail.com
